As you may remember An Garda Siochána conducted two National “Slow Down” days last year at the start of the May and October Bank Holiday periods and which were supported by your Company/ Organisation or Department.

Once again, on behalf of Assistant Commissioner, Traffic, John Twomey I would like to thank you for your support, and would now like to advise you and your staff of another planned “Slow Down” day.

This will take place from 7am Friday 30th – 7am Saturday 31st May , marking the the start of the June Bank Holiday period.

Last year saw in increase in road deaths for the first time since 2006, resulting in 190 fatalities. Excessive and inappropriate speed is a major contributory factor to road traffic collisions. The higher the speed, the greater the likelihood is of a collision happening and the more severe the outcome of that collision. As a general rule a 1% reduction in average speed will bring about a 4% reduction in fatal collisions, and this is why reducing motorists’ speed is essential to improving road safety.

The objective of operation “Slow Down” is to reduce the number of speed related collisions, save lives and reduce injuries on our roads. The aim is to remind drivers of the dangers of speeding, increase compliance with speed limits and act as a deterrent to driving at excessive and inappropriate speed. This initiative is supported by the Road Safety Authority and other partner stakeholders.

Public and private sector fleet operators are also being asked to participate in the initiative by circulating employees with the key message to “Slow Down” and, whether driving for business or private purposes, to always drive within the speed limit and at a speed appropriate to the prevailing conditions.

In addition to enforcement, the Garda website and in particular social media sites will be actively used to promote this initiative. The public will be invited to show support via the Garda Facebook page.

The aim of the National “Slow Down” day is to reduce the number and severity of road traffic collisions.

On behalf of Assistant Commissioner Twomey, I look forward to your continued support, and would appreciate if you could circulate this information to all employees and staff.